I think lirc_mceusb2 got merged into lirc_mceusb, but LinuxMCE still expects it. If lirc_mceusb isn't loaded, then your remote won't work. I committed a two line patch that addresses this: http://trac.linuxmce.org/trac.cgi/changeset/24885 just now. I didn't test it though (except in Dianemo, where it works fine).

The only difference is the MD's are windows transmitters, Core has a usbuirt

That difference is very important. USB-UIRT remotes don't use pluto-lirc-wrapper at all. See if package pluto-lirc-wrapper is installed. If it is, see if LIRC_DCE is running and if you have a lircd process as well. If they are running, execute irw on the MD, then press some keys on the remote. irw should display the keys you press. If this works, but the remote doesn't control the Orbiter, something's fishy. If anything in the checklist doesn't check out, let us know what.

I did an apt-get update, apt-get upgrade last night but I still do not have working mce_usb remote and receiver.

Do I need to apply your patch manually or should it have been applied to the latest build?

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

I only asked you to have a look at the requirements for things to work and tell me if they're there so maybe people get a clue of what's wrong. I'm not involved deeply enough with LinuxMCE development (I don't even have a Core, I use Thom's from time to time), but even so the checklist embedded in the question should have found something missing so other people, who do LinuxMCE development, can go "aha! missing dependency" or something.

I think lirc_mceusb2 got merged into lirc_mceusb, but LinuxMCE still expects it. If lirc_mceusb isn't loaded, then your remote won't work. I committed a two line patch that addresses this: http://trac.linuxmce.org/trac.cgi/changeset/24885 just now. I didn't test it though (except in Dianemo, where it works fine).

I think maybe I am insane! Or maybe its you as this post says you committed a patch that should fix the problem.

Well... I did commit that patch, but I have no idea if it was packaged or not You can check to see if the "mceusb" module is loaded or not using "lsmod". Tha module is needed for things to work too, in addition to the things I ask to be checked. If it wasn't packages, then you may have to apply the patch yourself.

Sorry if I came out a bit strong with the insanity quote, I'm not in my best of moods these days. I'm still working on my "don't try to help people if your brain is on hold" idea